Cmon over to Wickedproblems.earth for complete show notes and all episodes ad-free China and the Global Climate Transition: Insights with Richard Delevan and Jeremy Wallace In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan zooms out to understand the current climate action landscape as COP discussions progress in Baku. He is joined by Jeremy Wallace, a political scientist specialising in China's domestic politics and climate action, and the A. Doak Barnett Professor of China Studies at...

Come to wickedproblems.earth to get these ad-free and all the show notes with links! In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan discusses the outcomes and challenges of COP29 in Baku. Special guests, Tom Raftery from the Climate Confident podcast and Tim McDonnell from Semafor, join Richard for in-depth conversations about climate finance, fossil fuel discussions, adaptation needs, and the potential impacts of recent geopolitical events, including the reelection of Trump. Listen...

Go ad-free at wickedproblems.earth! Well it’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon.1  Hope you’re enjoying Trumpocalypse Day 8. How are you getting by? Had such a great night2 catching up with The Heat and the Fury author Peter Schwartzstein early this week that this episode is even more delayed than I thought it’d be. Before a stop on his UK book tour we buttonholed him for a sidebar earlier this week at the top of the show. For our main event I sat down with Pittsfield, MA’s finest, Dana...

In this episode of Wicked Problems: Climate Tech Conversations, host Richard Delavan discusses the implications of Trump's presidential election win on US and global climate policy, specifically focusing on the upcoming COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The episode explores potential rollbacks of the Inflation Reduction Act's EV tax credits and the US's possible withdrawal from international climate treaties. Richard talks to Semafor Net Zero editor Tim McDonnell about the unpredictability of...

It’s been a long night. But I thought worth turning this morning’s note into a bit more of a rough and ready talk. If you want the full thing with all the notes : In Defeat: DefianceRICHARD DELEVAN · 11:22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With COP29 in a few days, all eyes turn to Baku, a city with a complex relationship to fossil fuels, where 125 years ago, nearly half the world’s oil was produced. Today, Azerbaijan finds itself hosting the world’s largest climate summit, a moment that exposes both the country's potential as a climate leader and the contradictions of its role as a petrostate. In this episode of Wicked Problems – Climate Tech Conversations, I sat down with Ruth Townend, Senior Research Fellow in Climate...

For this haunted Wicked Problems – Climate Tech Conversations, Richard Delevan is joined by celebrated author Manda Scott, known for historical fiction, thrilling plots, and a gift for exploring deep-seated mythologies that shape human struggles. In this Halloween/Samhain episode, Scott takes us through her latest novel, Any Human Power, a genre-bending work that interweaves climate, technology, politics, and mythology to probe our existential crises. Halloween, or Samhain in Celtic...

In this comprehensive episode of 'Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations,' host Richard Delevan talks with various experts, including Adam Bell from Stonehaven UK and Chris Slater, CEO of Oka. They explore significant shifts in UK energy policies, the role of carbon markets and their pivotal moment in a shift from voluntary towards compliance, and innovative investment strategies in climate projects. The episode underscores the dynamic interplay between government intervention and...

Host Richard Delevan is joined by Loes van Dijk, founder of Climate Court, to delve into the latest updates in climate litigation worldwide. This episode covers pivotal cases, such as the major complaint against BlackRock in France for misleading sustainability claims, lawsuits over misleading environmental impact ads, historic youth climate activism in Ontario, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's renewed legal battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Additionally, it explores global legal...

Here’s the second half of our series on Texas. If you missed the first one, it might be handy to go back listen first. If you’d like to receive these episodes ahead of others and help grow this platform with unique angles on climate and climate tech, now is a great time to become a material supporter. Until November 5, get an annual membership at a 20% discount. Regardless of any election outcome, independent media is crucial to understanding the world as it is—not as someone wants you to...

If Texas, oil and gas capital of America, doesn’t come to mind as a climate tech and clean energy hub, you need to get right. Thankfully we’re here for you. Texas has been a magnet for European climate tech startups and scaleups looking to set up shop in the US. Not just for decent music and food, but because (despite Elon Musk’s relocation there) it’s putting innovation on steroids. With the US election looming in less than three weeks, if you’re feeling glum about the prospects for...

Rupert Read, co-director of the Climate Majority Project and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at University of East Anglia. We mentioned his role in amplifying a piece by Jonathan Leake in the Telegraph, which quoted IPCC jefeJim Skea, and the headline of which piece said he was calling time of death on the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C. Skea actually said, "1.5°C is slipping away"— a phrase he notes is usually associated with moment when a person is slipping away from...

In this special post-New York Climate Week episode, we dive deep into the takeaways from one of the most significant global gatherings on climate action. Joined by two thought leaders in the climate tech space—Colin Mahoney, communications strategist and founder at Mahoney Communications, and Ted Dillon, COO at Clean Energy Ventures—we reflect on how the week unfolded and what it means for the future of climate innovation and policy. Key Highlights: New York Climate Week 2024 Vibe: Ted and...

In this episode, host Richard Delevan dives into the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and why it’s time for North Carolina to sue Big Oil for damages. Joined by Richard Wiles from the Center for Climate Integrity, we explore how oil majors fueled the climate crisis and intensified storms like Helene. We argue that to win in court—and in public opinion—North Carolina must shift the narrative, hold Big Oil accountable, and move beyond cautious rhetoric around 1.5°C - which we discuss...

In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan interviews author Stephen Markley about his book 'The Deluge,' which explores the impacts of the climate crisis on society and politics through a narrative spanning 30 years. The conversation delves into Markley's experiences and challenges while writing the novel, including its eerie real-world parallels and feedback loops in human behavior driven by climate change. They discuss how Markley uses literary fiction to depict complex human...

In this episode of Wicked Problems, a guest contributor - chief demon Screwtape - praises Senator JD Vance's climate responses in a recent vice-presidential debate, Screwtape elaborates on how Vance used emotional appeals, subtle racism, and misdirection to deflect from critical issues. 00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems 00:08 Climate Change in the Vice-Presidential Debate 00:44 JD Vance's Response and Misdirection 01:32 Screwtape's Analysis of Misdirection 02:26 Emotional Appeal as a...

Tim McDonnell of Semafor discusses the shifting dynamics of climate and energy policy in both the US and the UK. As political leaders struggle to balance energy security, climate action, and public perception, they explore the "green hush" happening in campaign messaging—why politicians are avoiding direct references to climate change and how this could impact both policy and public engagement. The Green Hushing Phenomenon: "Green hushing" has emerged as a tactic in political campaigns, with...

This episode of 'Wicked Problems,' hosted by Richard Delavan, delves into the catastrophic potential impacts of climate change, particularly focusing on the possible shutdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its global repercussions. Featuring insights from Dr. Anatol Lieven from the Quincy Institute, the discussion explores the tangible risks posed by climate tipping points, such as radical shifts in weather patterns, economic hardship, and political instability....

In this two-part episode, host Richard Delevan digs in on critical minerals with Jeremy Wrathall, the founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium. As the UK and other nations navigate their climate goals, we explore how companies like Cornish Lithium are developing sustainable, domestic sources of lithium and other critical minerals essential for the green energy transition. With the recent Labour Party conference and discussions around industrial strategy, this conversation couldn't be more...

Our first UK party conference, in Liverpool. Can the UK reclaim leadership in climate technology, sustainability, and innovation? Our guests included: * Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough * Christian Hernandez, Founder, 2150.vc * Buffy Price, Co-founder and CEO, Carbon Re * Orla Shields, CEO and Founder, Kamma * Anna Bazely, Head of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Enoda * Paul McNamee, Director and Founder, Labour Climate and Environment Forum (LCEF) Key Discussion Points: * The Role of...

Host Richard Delevan interviews author Peter Schwartzstein, whose experiences give him a unique authority to explore how difficult it is to cover “climate security” from the front lines. Climate and Violence Many associate climate-related violence with regions like Syria. Schwartzstein explains that while climate change didn’t directly cause the Syrian civil war, it played a critical role in weakening the societal fabric. Severe droughts exacerbated poverty and rural migration, fostering...

Simon Sharpe and host Richard Delevan unpack key themes from Five Times Faster, focusing on the central question: why are we moving so slowly, and how can we accelerate decarbonisation? Sharpe shares how his time as a climate diplomat—particularly during the UK’s presidency of COP26—crystallized his understanding that we need to think faster and act faster if we are to keep the 1.5-degree target within reach. It’s not just about hitting the right targets, but about focusing on actions that...

UK Government's Bold Climate Goals: Renewable Energy and Policy Review In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delavan discusses British energy policy and climate strategy with notable guests Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven UK, and Trevor Hutchings, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association (REA). They explore the UK government's ambitious plans for ramping up renewable energy, infrastructure investments, and the strategic choices surrounding emerging technology and...

Navigating Sustainability in Travel and Politics In this episode of Wicked Problems, host Richard Delevan discusses the intersection of politics, travel, and sustainability. Delayed by recent significant events, the episode reflects on potential political shifts with Kamala Harris possibly picking a new VP nominee and the implications of such a move. Richard interviews Justin Reid from TripAdvisor about sustainable travel trends and consumer behavior, discussing the balance between enjoying...